Ray Christensen and Stew Thornley are both Minnesota authors. During almost half of a century of radio broadcasting, Ray Christensen has covered the University of Minnesota football and basketball teams, as well as the Vikings, Twins, and Minneapolis Lakers. For most Minnesota sports fans, his play-by-play broadcasts have become a vital part of the game. In Golden Memories, written with sports historian Stew Thornley, Ray looks back at the highlights of Minnesota sports: the changes in strategies over the years, the rise and fall of great teams. Ray was there through it all, and now he tells the stories of legendary athletes and coaches - Paul Giel, Sandy Stephens, Bill Musselman, Elgin Baylor, Fran Tarkenton, Joe Kapp, Rod Carew, and Harmon Killebrew. In response to frequent requests for advices from aspiring sports announcers, the chapter "The art of play-by-play" reveals Ray's personal broadcasting philosophy and the techniques that have let his radio audience "see" the plays and feel the excitement. Ray also tells the story of his life, growing up in Minneapolis as a fan of the Millers and the Saints at Nicollet and Lexington parks, landing at Normandy during the Second World War, and learning radio broadcasting as a student at the University of Minnesota. He takes you behind the scenes with his colleagues at WCCO, and he invites you into his home in his chapter, "Family." Ray's loyal fans will hear his familiar voice - clear, resonant, compassionate - on every page. - Dust jacket.